Summary

Ever taller and more dramatic, skyscrapers are being built everywhere. This book looks at contemporary examples, from the perspective of both their architecture and their engineering. The author explains the structural principles behind the creation of tall buildings and how they are designed to withstand earthquakes, high winds, fire and terrorist attack. An introduction covers the architectural and cultural history of the skyscraper, using choice examples to illustrate key engineering developments and the variety of basic design types. The main part of the book then analyzes 29 of the most interesting recent skyscrapers from around the world. Each project is illustrated in full colour, while the text, architects' drawings and details show how the each is constructed and what innovative design features it incorporates. Featured architects include Foster & Partners, Renzo Piano, Jean Nouvel and Zaha Hadid.